One eye closed or both eyes open?

This is a discussion on One eye closed or both eyes open? within the Gun Tactics forums, part of the Gun Forum category; Hey guys,
I'm pretty new to pistol shooting in general and very new to semi-auto pistols. I was raised on long guns and mostly scoped ...

I'm pretty new to pistol shooting in general and very new to semi-auto pistols. I was raised on long guns and mostly scoped long guns, so I naturally got into the habit of closing my weaker eye when shooting. Not only is this a habit, but when I try to shoot my pistol (or anything for that matter) with both eyes open, I have double vision. I've read some articles on the matter and I do wish to become proficient with both eyes open because the added depth perception, and most importantly the added field of view is important in defensive shooting.

I was wondering what your opinions and experiences were on the subject matter. Most of all I'm interested in tips about how to train to shoot with both eyes open. I can figure out which "view" I'm actually aimed at, but I'm much slower and less accurate because I can't focus on the target and the sights. When I focus target, I get double vision of the pistol, when I focus on the pistol I get double vision of the target and sometimes double vision of both.

I'm right hand and right eye dominant and I hold the pistol in front of my right eye, if that helps.

As with anything, practice makes perfect, but perhaps try a piece of tape over your shooting glasses? I've seen others do this and I suppose that would force you to rely on your dominant eye without, hopefully, experiencing the double vision. I used to be right eye dominant, now I'm a lefty, so I had some issues during my crossover. I will do whatever research I can cuz I'd like to know more about this anyhow. Otherwise, I'm figuring some of the other fellas might have some good advise.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm hopin to get some range time in soon, so I'll attempt some electrical tape over my glasses to help.

You might want to try the blue painters tape. It might come off cleaner. I keep a wide roll in my bag to tap up targets to get more use out of them. I know what you are thinkin and yes I'm a tight wad!

You might want to try the blue painters tape. It might come off cleaner. I keep a wide roll in my bag to tap up targets to get more use out of them. I know what you are thinkin and yes I'm a tight wad!

We're birds of a feather Volzfan, I keep brightly color duct tape or survey paint and just make targets out of weekly grocery ads. Unless I'm sighting in, then I go to walmart and buy the cheapest 1" grid target I can get. Hahah. I also end up using only one or two targets when I go to the range. I keep a sharpie around and mark my hits every time I go down range. Bein raised on 100 acres and ending up covered in dirt everyday, I never believed that cleanliness was next to Godliness, but I do think frugality is. Hahah.

Right handed and right eye dominate, I started at a young age closing the left eye. After joining the Army and through out all the different Shooting, CQC and CQB Courses, I learned that both eyes open was indeed the best. This was from some of the best in the business, FBI Hostage Rescue Team, Canada's TRU Team, GSG-9, HSS International, Army Special Forces and Delta, SEAL's etc.

Two of the main reasons for both eyes open is, eye strain / fatigue from keeping one eye closed and reduced peripheral vision / situational awareness on the closed eye side.

Like others have mentioned the two best methods I used to change was a patch on the left side of my shooting glasses, keeping that eye open. After that became more natural, took a lot of practice, I then used the dry fire with a snap cap around the house. Like most all Tactical Training, perfect practice and repetition builds muscle memory.

I got some range time in today with Hogue grips on my P226 for the first time. I was very pleased with the comfort on the grip, but it did take a bit to get used to them. I also taped up my glasses on the left side and tried shooting with both eyes open today. Man it was frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found it very difficult and I kept wanting to close my left eye. Here are the not so good results below...

Just a pic of my SIG, my target is the on on the right of the barrel at 25 yards

The target from shooting 20 rounds at 25 yards with both eyes open... roughly a 8" target. A bit embarrassing.

And here's another target at 50 yards, from my .22 rifle, using iron sights, sitting position, single elbow supported, both eyes open. Also a bit embarrassing.

Semper, Don’t get discouraged, it will take some time to reprogram yourself to change something you used to do.

And actually at 25 yards, that is not a real bad defensive grouping. Remember most civilian deadly encounters happen between 3 and 7 yards. You will get closer groups when the both eyes open becomes natural. The other benefit of both eyes open is the increased visibility and awareness on that weak side.